Chrysanthemum named Catchup Dark

ABSTRACT

A Chrysanthemum plant named Catchup Dark characterized by its small sized blooms with red ray-florets and yellow-green disc florets.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to the following co-pending applications: Application no. Filing Date Title

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The new plant of the present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of chrysanthemum plant that is a natural occuring sport of a parent chrysanthemum named Catchup. A comparison with Parent chrysanthemum Catchup is also made in this application. The new cultivar was discovered as a whole plant mutation in May 1997 by Rob Noodelijk in a controlled environment (greenhouse) in Rijsenhout Holland. The first act of asexual reproduction of Catchup Dark was accomplished when vegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in July 1997 in Rijsenhout Holland.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is a new and distinct variety of chrysanthemum bearing small sized blooms with red ray-florets and yellow-green disc florets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The present invention of a new and distinct variety of chrysanthemum is shown in the accompanying drawings, the color being as nearly true as possible with color photographs of this type.

[0005]FIG. 1 shows a stem of the cultivar in full bloom.

[0006]FIG. 2 shows the various stages of bloom and foliage of the new cultivar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This new variety of chrysanthemum is of the botanical classification Dendranthema grandiflora. The observations and measurements were gathered from plants grown in a greenhouse in Rijsenhout Holland in a photo-periodic controlled crop. The photo-periodic response time in this crop was 49 days. This new variety produces small sized blooms with red ray-florets and yellow-green disc-florets blooming on the plant for 4 weeks. This new variety of chrysanthemum has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics throughout successive propagations however the phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment such as light intensity and temperature. To show the phenotype as described Catchup Dark may be planted without assimilation lightning between week 50 and 40 under greenhouse conditions in Holland. With assimilation lightning (minimum level 2500 lux) it may be planted year round under greenhouse conditions in Holland.

[0008] When Catchup and Catchup Dark are being compared the following differences and similarities are noticed: The difference of Catchup and Catchup Dark is the ray-floret color for which characteristics Catchup Dark has been selected out of Catchup. The ray-florets of Catchup Dark are darker red than the ray-floret color of Catchup. All other characteristics of Catchup and Catchup Dark are similar.

[0009] The following is a description of the plant and characteristics that distinguish Catchup Dark as a new and distinct variety. The color designations are taken from the plant itself. Accordingly, any discrepancies between the color designations and the colors depicted in the photographs are due to photographic tolerances.

[0010] Botanical Description of CULTIVAR Catchup Dark Catchup Bud Size Cross-section +/− 1.0 cm height +/− 1.2 cm Outside Color Greyed-purple 187 A Bloom Size Small Fully Expanded 3.5 cm Number of blooms per single stem Average of 12 Peduncle length Near the top +/− 4 cm, near the middle +/− 10 cm, near the bottom +/− 14 cm Peduncle lateral shoot attachment Medium Peduncle lateral shoot angle 30° Form Single (daisy) Performance (blooming period) 28 days Color Center of the flower (disc-florets) Immature yellow- green 144A mature yellow-green 144B Color of upper surface of the majo- Greyed-purple 187A Red 46A rity of the ray-florets Color of the lower surface of the Greyed-purple 187B Greyed- majority of the ray-florets yellow 162D Tonality from Distance A small dark red daisy Discoloration None Ray florets Texture Upper and under side smooth Number 22-24 Cross-section Concave Longitudinal axis of majority Straight Shape of tip Dentate Fragrance Typical chrysanthemum Disc Diameter (when visible) Small to medium (1.0-1.2 cm) Reproductive Organs Stamen (present in disc florets only) Yellow, thin, 3 mm in length Pollen Not present Styles (present in both ray and disc Green, thin florets) Style Length +/− 4 mm Stigmas Green Stigma Width +/− 1 mm Ovaries Enclosed in calyx Plant Form A spray mum meant for indoor use Growth Medium Height 100 cm Stem Color Yellow-green 146C Stem Strength Medium Stem Brittleness Absent Stem Anthocyanin Coloration Present Flowering Response(photo-periodic 49 days controlled crop, no natural growing) Foliage Color Upper side green 137A under side green 137C Size Length +/− 7 cm, width +/− 5.5 cm Quantity (number per single stem) 24-26 Shape Egg-shaped Texture Fleshy Ribs and Veins Ribs and veins well developed Edge Crenated Shape of Base of Sinus Between Acute Lateral Lobes Margin of Sinus Between Lateral Parallel to diverging Lobes Shape of Base Truncate Apex Mucronate

[0011] 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of chrysanthemum plant as described and illustrated. 